I think D is the one most likely to balance well when worn with a strap - the length of the top horn has some functional value (it's not just for looks).

Once you get a clearer idea of what you want to build, it wouldn't be a bad idea to build a prototype out of MDF - that's a relatively inexpensive way of making sure it's going to fit you before you start hacking up an expensive bit of wood.

my father is a furniture restorer and theres just stuff lying all over his workshop...if he doesnt use all of an entire block in a month then they give him a new block anyway...so i can use the old peices.

anyway...thats not the point...im edging towards A at the moment....im not sure of d so much....

[EDIT] vanselus...your avatar is mesmerising.....hehe...lookee, he nods his head!..hehe.... left-right-left-right-left-right....

To me cedar sounds smooth but not punchy or "snappy" - and doesn't have much definition in the mix. I'd stick with wenge on the neck - that will add a lot of punch! Have you thought about Alder? That's my favorite wood for bodies hands-down.

You should really ask the braintrust in the luthiers forum about all this...

glad you liked the site - yours is amazing! very creative, very dark, cool navigation.

yeh...the initial question isnt about body wood anyway....its just the shape im getting down for now...i can worry about that after i have at least one good drawing of the entire bass....Ill take it over to luthiers corner once i have that.

I am on a really really tight budget (thus the making and not the buying) so i dont think i can afford alder...im not sure of the going rate tho.

thanx about the site...ive been into webdesign for a year now and im getting more confident...still no flash tho...

About the mahongany laminate neck:
I dont like the idea of this...mainly because this is my first bass and i want it to be as simple as possible...id rather do my best on a simple make then bodge up a complex one...

if not,..
Ive seen a bass with a clear plastic attatchment that goes on a strap button situated on the heel joint. It protuded about 6 inches or so and attatched to the strap at the other end....i didnt notice any problems with this when i played it either, sitting or standing.....

Check out this article from Bunnybass.com about strap button position (in short, the recommendation here is move the rear one higher - move it lower and the top of the bass will probably tend to tip away from you).